A LACKLUSTRE display by Kidderminster saw them slump to their third Birmingham and District Premier League defeat of the season by seven wickets.

The loss at new boys Knowle and Dorridge dropped the town to third from bottom in the table.

With wicket-keeper James Pipe on duty for Worcestershire, Kidderminster struggled to put any bite into batting or feeling into their fielding.

Asked to bat on a seemingly flat pitch, their openers made a slow but steady start, posting 43 for the first wicket in 17 overs.

Richard Wilkinson, in his first match for the club this season, top-edged a delivery onto his helmet and was caught for 22.

Amit Sharma (13) departed three overs later which brought together captain Mark Mansell and in-form Mandeep Singh.

Their 33 partnership looked to have got things moving but the nagging bowling of James Spires caused difficulties. Mis-timed shots from Mansell (13) and Singh (17) reduced the visitors to 83-4.

The improving Richard Bradford (44) and Stephen Ralph (39) knocked 70 from the next 17 overs.

But, on his return, Kevin Bray removed two wickets in one over.

The tail-enders did their best to keep the score moving, particularly a spirited 19 from 15 balls by Ted Baylis.

But the innings closed on 199-8, leaving Kidderminster one short of a third batting point.

The Knowle batsmen had little difficulty coping with the Kidderminster attack and made a solid start, posting 79 for the first wicket.

A second wicket soon fell but a 101 stand between Daniel Dalton (60) and Chris Howell (52no) put paid to their hopes.

The winning runs were reached in 49.4 overs, giving the hosts a maximum 20 points and the visitors three.

Kidderminster need solid displays in the next two weeks, when they play Walsall and Old Hill at home, to move away from the relegation zone.

Kidderminster 199-8, Knowle and Dorridge 200-3.

The seconds were victorious at Chester Road, winning by four wickets after Knowle and Dorridge had set a massive 243-9.

Town bowlers Mark Derrick took 3-72 and Colin Hemsley 4-69.

Their batsmen got off to a quick start when Hemsley scored 26 before being caught behind.

Godfrey Lamb anchored the innings with a fine 91 not out and youngster Steve Davies hit 68.

Derrick came to the wicket with 50 needed off six overs and with his first ball hit over long-on for a six.

Fourteen-year-old Andy Siwicki hit 13 not out off nine balls, including four off the last, to earn a great result and 20 valuable points.

Knowle and Dorridge 243-9, Kidderminster 247-6.

Fixtures, Saturday: 1sts v Walsall (1pm), Walsall v 2nds (1.30pm), Cutnall Green v 3rds (2pm). Sunday: 1sts v Bromsgrove (2pm), Bromsgrove v 2nds (2pm).